Dihydroxyacetone

Dihydroxyacetone (CAS 96-26-4), commonly abbreviated as DHA, is a simple ketose sugar used commercially as a skin-browning active and a cross-linking agent. Also marketed as Viticolor and Soleal.

Where is Dihydroxyacetone used?

• Personal care: primary active in self-tanning formulations
• It reacts with skin proteins to produce temporary brown coloration without UV exposure, a mechanism also applied in targeted repigmentation products for vitiligo
• Leather and textile processing: cross-linking agent that improves surface durability and fixation of dyes and finishes
• Food manufacturing: flavoring and browning agent contributing to color and taste development
• Paper treatment: cross-linking properties modify surface characteristics and improve functional performance

Commercial specifications

• High-purity grades typically exceeding 98% assay
• Bulk quantities for industrial buyers; smaller packaged quantities for formulators and laboratory use